Upper Mt Gravatt, Brisbane· Children 0–12 yrs· No referral needed

Gentle dental care for children who find visits difficult

Extra support, a difficult past experience, or simply too young for a standard appointment — Dr Soha offers happy gas and hospital sleep dentistry so your child gets the care they need, calmly.

Led by Dr Soha15 years with anxious & special-needs children · AHPRA DEN0001807872 · ANZSPD member
Happy gas & hospital sleep dentistryTreatment at Brisbane South Private & Ipswich Day Hospital

4.9from 120+ Brisbane families

Tell us about your child

We'll call you back to talk through the right, gentle option.

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You are in the right place

We Have Heard Your Story Before

Whatever brought you here today — Dr Soha and her team understand. Find your situation below.

A

Your Child Has Had a Difficult Experience at Another Practice

The tears before you've even left the house. A dentist who couldn't complete treatment. If this sounds familiar — you are not alone, and this is not your fault. Dr Soha helps families who felt exactly where you are now.

How we help children who've struggled elsewhere
B

Your Dentist Has Referred You to Dr Soha

When your child's dentist says "I'd like you to see Dr Soha" — that is not a cause for alarm. It means your dentist wants the best possible outcome for your child. No written referral needed. Just call us.

What to expect as a referred family
C

Your Child Is in Pain or Has Visible Decay

Visible brown or black spots on teeth, a toothache that won't settle, or a child who hasn't eaten properly in days — these cannot wait. If your child needs treatment but cannot manage a standard appointment, Dr Soha can help.

How we help children in pain
Watch

See What a Visit Looks Like

A short introduction to Dr Soha and the gentle, unhurried way we care for children.

Treatment options

Two Pathways — One Goal: Your Child's Comfort

Dr Soha will recommend the right approach after assessing your child. There is no pressure and no one-size-fits-all answer.

Sleep Dentistry

General Anaesthesia
Your child
Completely asleep under monitored anaesthesia care — no awareness, no discomfort
Best for
Children under 4, children with significant anxiety, or those needing extensive treatment across multiple teeth
Where
Brisbane South Private Hospital or Ipswich Day Hospital — fully equipped hospital facilities with dedicated anaesthesia team
Visits
All treatment completed in a single visit in most cases
Recovery
1–2 hours in hospital recovery before going home — one parent present throughout

Happy Gas

Relative Analgesia
Your child
Awake and relaxed — breathing a gentle mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nasal mask
Best for
Children aged 4 and over who can tolerate a nasal mask and cooperate with simpler procedures
Where
In our dental chair at the practice
Visits
May require more than one visit depending on treatment needed
Recovery
A few minutes — most children are ready to go home immediately
Not sure which is right for your child? That is exactly what the initial consultation is for. Dr Soha will assess your child's age, treatment needs, and ability to cooperate — and explain the recommended pathway clearly, with no pressure to decide on the day. Call 07 3343 4869 to book.
Dr Soha Sharif — kids dentist in Brisbane
Your child's dentist

Dr Soha Sharif

BDS (Hons), MFDS RCS (Edin), MSc Paediatric Dentistry, MANZSPD

Dr Soha has spent 15 years focused on children who find dental care challenging. A significant part of her practice involves treating children under general anaesthesia — children who are too young, too anxious, or have needs that cannot be met in a standard dental chair.

Her particular interests include children with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, children with early childhood tooth decay, and families who have had distressing experiences at other practices. She holds membership of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (ANZSPD).

Dr Soha performs hospital-based general anaesthesia at Brisbane South Private Hospital and Ipswich Day Hospital, working alongside experienced anaesthetists whose sole focus during your child's procedure is their safety and comfort.

Experience15 years in children's dentistry
Postgraduate training3 years postgraduate training in children's dentistry
Professional membershipANZSPD — Australian & NZ Society of Paediatric Dentistry
Hospital affiliationsBrisbane South Private Hospital & Ipswich Day Hospital
Special interestsAutism, ADHD, anxious children, GA treatment, early childhood tooth decay
LanguagesEnglish, Farsi

AHPRA Registration: DEN0001807872  ·  Verify at ahpra.gov.au

Book your child's consultation online
You are in the right place

Some Children Simply Need a Different Approach

Not every child can manage dental treatment in a standard chair — and that is completely normal. Young children, children with heightened anxiety, or those who have had an overwhelming experience are not being difficult. They need care that is tailored to where they are right now.

Dr Soha works closely with dental practices across Brisbane who recognise when a child would benefit from a dedicated sedation-focused environment. Whether your family was referred by your dentist or you found us independently, you have come to the right place.

Under happy gas or hospital-based sleep dentistry, your child's treatment can be completed thoroughly and calmly — often in a single visit. No distress. No restraint. No difficult memories to carry forward.

Your child becomes too distressed to be treated

Some children reach a point of overwhelm that no amount of reassurance can resolve in the moment. Sleep dentistry removes the experience of treatment entirely — they fall asleep, all care is completed, they wake up and it is done.

Your child needs sedation to receive safe, thorough care

When a child's dental needs are extensive or their anxiety is significant, sedation is often the most appropriate clinical pathway — not a last resort, but a considered, compassionate choice that prioritises your child's wellbeing.

A difficult experience has left your child with dental anxiety

An overwhelming dental visit can create lasting fear. Dr Soha's approach is designed to give children a calm, controlled experience — one that helps rebuild confidence rather than add to anxiety they may already carry.

You feel worried about your child's dental health

Early childhood tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood illness. It affects families across every background. Dr Soha's role is to help your child receive the care they need — with no judgement, only support.

Book your child's consultation online

Or call us on 07 3343 4869

Dr Soha and the KidsDentist team
Referred patients

Has Your Dentist Suggested You See Dr Soha?

When your child's dentist recommends Dr Soha, it reflects their commitment to ensuring your child receives the most appropriate care. Dr Soha works as a trusted partner to dental practices across Brisbane — and will keep your dentist informed every step of the way.

1

Your dentist identifies that your child would benefit from sedation-based care

This is a clinical decision made in your child's best interest — recognising that a dedicated environment will give your child the best outcome.

2

You contact Dr Soha's practice — no formal referral letter required

Simply call us. If your dentist has already sent through notes or X-rays, we will have them on file. If not, we will request what we need directly.

3

Dr Soha assesses your child and explains the recommended treatment pathway

A thorough assessment with no pressure. Dr Soha will explain exactly what she recommends and why — giving you the information you need to make a confident decision.

4

Treatment is completed and a full report is sent to your dentist

After treatment, Dr Soha provides a comprehensive report to your referring practice so your child's ongoing care continues seamlessly.

What to bring to your first appointment

To make your child's initial consultation as efficient as possible, it helps to have the following:

  • Your child's Medicare card
  • Private health insurance card (if applicable)
  • Any recent X-rays or dental notes from your referring dentist
  • A list of any medications your child is currently taking
  • Your child's immunisation record if they are under 5

No referral letter is required. If your dentist has already sent through information, we will have it on file — just let our team know when you call.

Book Consultation Today Call 07 3343 4869

Are you a dental practice looking to refer a patient? Dr Soha welcomes referrals from dental practices across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Call our team directly or ask your patient to mention your practice name when they call — we will ensure they are well looked after and you receive a full post-treatment report.

Call 07 3343 4869
Book your child's consultation online

Or call us on 07 3343 4869

General anaesthesia — what parents ask us

Understanding Sleep Dentistry: What You Need to Know

It is completely natural to have questions about general anaesthesia for your child. Dr Soha encourages every parent to ask as many questions as they need — here are the ones she hears most often.

Is general anaesthesia appropriate for young children?

For children who need extensive dental treatment and cannot cooperate in a standard chair, general anaesthesia is often the most appropriate clinical pathway — not a last resort, but a considered, evidence-based choice.

It allows Dr Soha to complete all necessary treatment in a single visit, with no discomfort, no distressing memories, and no risk of incomplete treatment due to a child becoming overwhelmed mid-procedure.

A well-researched and routinely performed procedure. Hospital-based dental treatment under general anaesthesia for children is one of the most thoroughly studied procedures in paediatric healthcare. Your child's anaesthetist — whose sole focus throughout is your child's wellbeing — monitors them continuously from the moment they fall asleep to the moment they wake up in recovery with you.

What about concerns regarding brain development?

You may have read about early concerns linking anaesthesia to neurodevelopmental effects. The largest clinical trials conducted to date — the GAS Trial, the PANDA Study, and the Mayo MASK Study — found no measurable differences in IQ or development from a single brief anaesthetic exposure in otherwise healthy children.

A note on informed consent: As with any medical procedure, general anaesthesia involves a degree of consideration. Dr Soha and your child's anaesthetist will take the time to walk you through everything before any procedure takes place — answering every question you have, so you can make a confident, informed decision for your child.

What happens on the day

A typical hospital day for dental treatment under GA

Before you arrive
Fasting instructionsNo solid food for 6 hours · No breast milk for 4 hours · Clear fluids allowed up to 2 hours before. Dr Soha's team will confirm exact times when you book.
Arrival
Hospital check-in and pre-operative assessmentYou and your child are welcomed by the nursing team. The anaesthetist meets with you to review your child's health and answer your questions.
Going to sleep
One parent can be present as your child falls asleepYour child breathes anaesthetic gas through a small mask and falls gently asleep within seconds. You stay until they are fully asleep, then wait comfortably in the family area.
Treatment
All dental treatment completed while your child sleepsDr Soha completes all planned treatment. Duration varies depending on the amount of work needed — typically 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Waking up
Your child wakes in recovery with you presentYou are brought to recovery as your child wakes. Most children are drowsy but settled. The nursing team monitors them until they are ready to go home.
Going home
Typically 1–2 hours after wakingSoft diet for 24 hours · Children's paracetamol for any discomfort · Rest at home · Follow-up appointment with Dr Soha within 2 weeks.
Book your child's consultation online

Or call us on 07 3343 4869

Your child's situation

Find Information Relevant to Your Child

Select the situation that best describes your child and we will show you the most relevant information.

Urgent care

Your Child Is in Pain and Needs Treatment — But Cannot Cope With a Standard Appointment

When a child is in acute dental pain but becomes too distressed to be treated, it creates an urgent and deeply stressful situation for the whole family. This is one of the most common reasons families contact Dr Soha.

For children who need immediate care but cannot manage a standard appointment, Dr Soha can often arrange happy gas treatment at short notice. Where hospital-based treatment is required, she will work to secure the earliest available time and ensure your child is as comfortable as possible in the meantime.

Please call our team directly — do not wait for an online enquiry response when your child needs care urgently.

Call now — 07 3343 4869

What to tell our team when you call

  • Your child's age and approximate weightThis helps our team assess which treatment pathway is most appropriate.
  • Where the pain is and how long it has been presentAny visible swelling, discolouration or broken teeth is helpful to mention.
  • Whether your child has had any dental treatment beforeIncluding any previous experiences that were difficult or incomplete.
  • Any medications your child is currently takingIncluding any known allergies or health conditions.
  • Your availability over the next few daysSo we can match you to the earliest suitable appointment.
Book your child's consultation online

Or call us on 07 3343 4869

Fees and payment

Understanding the Cost of Treatment

Hospital-based dental treatment under general anaesthesia involves three separate components. We want you to understand exactly what to expect before your child's assessment — with no surprises.

Treatment under general anaesthesia involves three separate fee components, each invoiced independently:

1

Dr Soha's dental fees

Covering all dental treatment performed — fillings, crowns, extractions, pulp therapy, and preventive treatments. A detailed quote is provided after your child's initial assessment, once Dr Soha knows exactly what treatment is needed.

Quoted after assessment
2

Hospital facility fee

Covering the operating theatre, nursing staff, and recovery room at Brisbane South Private Hospital or Ipswich Day Hospital. The hospital invoices you directly — this is separate from Dr Soha's fees.

Invoiced by hospital directly
3

Anaesthetist fee

Your child's anaesthetist is an independent medical practitioner who sets their own fees and invoices you separately. Their fee covers the pre-operative assessment, the procedure itself, and recovery monitoring.

Invoiced by anaesthetist directly

Making treatment financially accessible

Interest-free
Humm payment plans

Interest-free payment plans up to $12,000 with terms from 6 to 24 months — covering Dr Soha's dental fees. Ask our team for details when you call.

0% interest
Afterpay

Available for smaller treatment fees. Split your payment into four fortnightly instalments with no interest.

HICAPS
Private health insurance

We process claims on the spot with HICAPS for all major health funds. Bring your card to your appointment — rebates are applied immediately.

ATO pathway
Compassionate Release of Super

Access your superannuation early to fund your child's dental treatment via the ATO's Compassionate Release of Super program. We prepare the dental treatment report ($149 fee), or apply through SuperCare. Most patients receive funds within four weeks.

Managed for you
SuperCare facilitator

SuperCare is a commercial facilitator who manages your super release application end-to-end for an additional fee. Suitable if you'd prefer not to apply to the ATO yourself. Ask our team whether this applies to your situation.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): We are a private practice and do not participate in CDBS bulk billing. If your child is eligible for CDBS, we can provide an itemised invoice for you to claim directly from Medicare.

One visit. All treatment complete. A single session under general anaesthesia addresses all of your child's dental needs at once — avoiding multiple stressful appointments and the cost and delay of treatment spreading over months. Call us to discuss your child's situation and we will give you a clear picture of expected costs before your assessment.

Call 07 3343 4869
Book your child's consultation online

Or call us on 07 3343 4869

Get started

Ready to Take the Next Step for Your Child?

The first step is a phone call. Our team will listen to your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect — with no pressure and no obligation to book on the day.

Call us to discuss your child's situation

Speak directly with our team. Tell us about your child — their age, what treatment they need, and any previous experiences. We will explain your options clearly and find the earliest suitable appointment.

Call 07 3343 4869

Book an initial consultation online

Prefer to request an appointment in writing? Use the booking form on this page and our team will call you back within one business day to confirm a time that suits your family.

Book online

Monday to Friday · 8:00am – 5:00pm · Upper Mt Gravatt & Hamilton

No referral letter required 15 years experience in children's dentistry ANZSPD member Hospital-based GA at Brisbane South Private & Ipswich Day Hospital Afterpay available All major health funds accepted